Coronavirus: Unmarried partners from third countries may enter Switzerland from 3 August

State Secretariat for Migration

Bern-Wabern, 30.07.2020 - On 20 July, the Federal Council lifted all coronavirus-related entry restrictions for the first twelve non-EU/EFTA states. Entry into Switzerland from all other third countries for short stays continues to be possible only in exceptional cases. From 3 August anyone with a partner in Switzerland will be able to enter the country if they can provide proof of the relationship. Persons from countries and areas with an increased risk of infection will continue to be subject to quarantine.

Under the COVID-19 Ordinance, persons who are married to, in a registered partnership with, or have underage children with a person living in Switzerland are deemed to fall in the category of personal hardship and are therefore exempt from coronavirus-related entry restrictions. From 3 August, this provision will be expanded to include persons in a romantic relationship or other close partnership with someone living in Switzerland, even if the couple is not married or in a registered partnership and they have no underage children.

Relationship must be documented and have existed for some time

To enter Switzerland the person must provide a written invitation from their partner who is living in the country. They must also provide proof that the relationship has existed for some time, that the couple have been in regular contact and that they have met in person at least once before the entry restrictions were first imposed, either in Switzerland or abroad. In addition to a written invitation and a copy of their partner’s Swiss passport or foreign national identity card, evidence may be provided in the form of a confirmation of partnership signed by the couple, correspondence by letter or email, flight tickets, photographs or copies of entry or exit stamps in passports.

In countries requiring a visa for travel to Switzerland, these may be issued by the local Swiss representation if all entry requirements are met. In countries not requiring a visa, certificates can be issued to persons who would otherwise be unable to travel to Switzerland. It is recommended to enter Switzerland directly, as transit through other countries is not guaranteed. It must be possible for the visiting partner to leave the country in due time. All persons entering Switzerland from countries and areas with an increased risk of infection are subject to quarantine even if they have been granted entry.

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Address for enquiries

Information and Communication SEM, medien@sem.admin.ch

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Publisher

State Secretariat for Migration
https://www.sem.admin.ch/sem/en/home.html

Federal Office for Customs and Border Security
https://www.bazg.admin.ch